Aramco fuel tanks near Riyadh airport hit by Houthi missiles

September 20, 2026 at 01:18 AM2 min

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Houthi missiles and drones struck Aramco fuel storage tanks near Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, causing a fire and widespread flight disruptions. Saudi Civil Defense gave the all-clear by Saturday morning. The attack comes five weeks before Delta Air Lines launches nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service on October 23.

Key Facts

Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they deployed ballistic missiles and drones against sensitive sites in Riyadh.
The attack triggered overnight air raid sirens across Riyadh and caused widespread flight delays and cancellations at King Khalid International Airport.
Delta Air Lines plans to begin nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh on October 23, 2026, becoming the only US carrier to fly to Saudi Arabia.
Cargo and logistics buildings near the airport grounds were also damaged in the attack.

The Attack

An Aramco fuel storage facility near Riyadh King Khalid International Airport caught fire after being hit by ballistic missiles and drones. The Houthi military announced responsibility for the operation, which it said targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh. Firefighters battled the blaze at the burnt-out fuel storage facility, and cargo and logistics buildings near the airport were also damaged. Overnight air raid sirens sounded across the city, and the airport cancelled most flights, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.

Airport Disruption

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport experienced widespread flight delays and cancellations in the hours following the attack. Saudi Civil Defense provided the all-clear by Saturday morning. The attack occurred five weeks before Delta Air Lines is scheduled to launch nonstop service from Atlanta to Riyadh on October 23, 2026.

Delta's Upcoming Service

Delta Air Lines plans to begin nonstop flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Riyadh on October 23, 2026. The route would make Delta the only US carrier to fly to Saudi Arabia. Delta has a strategic partnership with startup carrier Riyadh Air, signed in July 2024. It remains unclear whether the recent attacks will affect Delta's upcoming services to the Kingdom.